GP’s

Do you have a patient who could benefit from an implant?

At Attune Hearing, we understand the incredibly important position GPs are placed in when it comes to the possibility of a patient needing an implant.

Patients in this position are often unsure and vulnerable. They need as much support and as many resources as possible, which provides them and their loved ones with the educational tools they need to make one of the most important decisions of their lives. 

In 2014, Attune Hearing Pty Ltd was accredited by Quality Innovation Performance (QIP) against the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. This accreditation is the same given to General Practitioners and compliments the medical model on which Attune was founded.

Attune Hearing is the only QIP-accredited independent hearing healthcare provider in Australia, and we take great pride in our highly comprehensive and industry-leading cochlear implant program.

Attune Hearing was built on a medical foundation, and we have a strong alliance with a highly sought-after team of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons and Psychologists who specialise in hearing implants. We are dedicated to ongoing training and professional development that consistently ensures the best possible support, treatment and ongoing management for your patient. Our senior cochlear implant audiologist, Karen Pedley, has been managing the Attune cochlear implant program for over 25 years and, in this time, has treated over 500 patients. Karen does not just assess her patients prior to surgery; she provides them guidance, support and genuine care, overseeing the whole implant journey from initial consultation to postoperative training.

As a GP, it is vital that you provide them with the necessary resources and guidance so that they are able to make the right decision for their future.

When to refer a patient for a cochlear implant assessment:

• Moderately severe to profound hearing loss
• Relying more on lip-reading than hearing aids
• Hearing aids have failed to restore communication function
• Find one-on-one conversation very difficult, even with hearing aids
• Unable to participate in group discussions
• Feel increasingly isolated
• Stopped using the telephone due to poor speech understanding
• Find their social life increasingly restricted
• Acquired single-sided deafness
• No upper age limit for referrals

If you are considering referring a patient or require any further information, please contact the Senior Audiologist and Director of the Attune Cochlear Implant Program, Karen Pedley, at kpedley@attune.com.au.